Xcel asks customers to conserve

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Xcel Energy is asking customers in North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin to reduce their natural gas usage because of a pipeline rupture in Canada.

The Minneapolis-based company is asking residential customers who use natural gas to heat their homes to turn their thermostats down to 60 and avoid using natural gas appliances. Businesses that use natural gas also are asked to conserve.

The company says in a statement that natural gas supplies are "adequate" at present but the impact of the pipeline rupture is still being evaluated.

Xcel says it is contacting local officials to ensure they are prepared should conditions change.